Valentina Zhang

Artist Statement

I enjoy exploring the relationship of juxtaposing ideas and objects. I explore the essence of contradictory ideas by placing two opposing objects together to create an almost subliminal tension. Recently I have been pondering the relationship between life and inventions made to “better” life. Like high rates of depression exacerbated by social media, or preserving a body with countless medications everyday. Is life truly bettered, or is it being imprisoned? What does a life leave behind after it vanishes? Does man made material serve life or restrain it? With these questions, I transplant vibrant seedlings into cocoons of thermoplastic polyurethane and nylon. The stark contrast between life fleeting and plastic eternal emphasizes the contrast I see in everyday inventions that are meant to improve our lives but rather control them.